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Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2012 - 03:20 pm: | 
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Darygon,
Welcome to the group! sure is a clean looking X1 you have there. Looking forward to seeing you out riding. We all have some form of time constraints, so I am sure we can all empathize with your situation.
Anyway, Welcome! |
Darygon
| | Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2012 - 12:41 am: |
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Thanks for the welcome Adam. See you on the road some time. Sunday's are about the only day I can come out and play so if there's any any day trip rides I'm in |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2012 - 07:47 pm: |
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Hey Nathan, good to see you posting!
So, I just got back from my "adventure" ride up in Colorado. 8 days, 2800 miles on and off road...
Here are a few pics to wet your appetite:
The first day, heading out of town, didn't start so well. Going through the pass, on my way to take 14 north, a screen flew out of a trucks bed, and came flying at me like a frisbee, I dodged, but not far enough, and it caught my turn signal
Not off to a good start! I taped it back on, and continued on my way up the high road to Taos, then across 64 to Chama, and over Wolf Creek pass, all the way to Lake City. I camped at the edge of town on some land that was for sale. Trying to be cheap this trip...
I was woke up by racoons clawing at my saddlebags trying to get at the food inside them, and chased them off.
After getting everything loaded back up, and heading north on 149, I stopped at Blue Mesa Lake. It's pretty much in the middle of the state, and if you've ridden Hwy 50, or 149, you've ridden past it. It's levels are way down due to the drought, I was able to park where the middle of the lake used to be
From there, I went through Gunnison, to Crested Butte. In the past, I've ridden McClure Pass, and have always noticed a dirt road that connected the back side of the mountain with Crested Butte. I wanted to ride down this dirt road, and then head west down through Crawford, past the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and on down to Silverton.
This sculpture is made from scrap found on the side of the road, and was made about 15 years ago.
The road was quite smooth, and the views were great
When I got down to Silverton, I met up with a friend and his son. He was on a Tenere also, and his son was on a Weestrom. We had dinner and discussed meeting in the morning to ride over the passes between Silverton and Lake City.
The morning brought clear skies, and some great dirt biking 
Here is a shot of Animas Forks, just below the roads going up to the two passes
We climbed Cinnamin Pass, no problem, and headed down to Lake City for lunch
After lunch we headed up over Engineers pass
A storm was brewing, and it caught us heading down
It was tough going, water pouring down the side of the mountain, couldn't tell where the ruts were in the road, just gas it and hope for the best...
that night, at my camp, the skies started clearing, and I was rewarded with this:
The next day, Aaron, Steves son, headed back to Denver. Steve had to get back to 'Vegas where he is stationed in the Army. I rode with him down thru Durango, and split when we reached Mancos. I headed north up 145 to Telluride, and then northwest to Gateway.
I stopped for gas and supplies in Grand Junction, intending to spend the night up on the Grand Mesa.
Jody had taken CJ and I down this road a few weeks back, and I wanted to explore it again, and a more sedate speed.
The view back past the PowderHorn
It was cold, up there! About 62 degrees, and it was only 5PM. After two wet nights in Silverton, I decided to keep riding through, and down the other side to something warmer.
The view of Delta, and where I planned to get warm
I stopped at a KOA and spent the night for $10, not bad, and it definitley was warmer
My 5th day on the road, would turn out to be the worst. It started out nice enough. I packed up, and headed west through Paonia, and over McClure Pass. As I passed McClure Reservoir, I was amazed that it is almost empty, yet another victim of the drought in this state.
I continued on, enjoying the curves, and life in general. This vacation was turning out to be everything I had hoped so far...
I got up to Capital City, where I intended to take County road 245 north across an Alpine meadow to County Road 14, and then on to Steamboat Springs.
I started up 145, the road was smooth, well travelled, and life was good
Yea, screw you guys and your ATGATT !
There was some great switchbacks climbing up the mesa
up on top, the meadow opened up, there were stands of aspens, spruce, it was gorgeous up there
Cattle roamed free
The road started getting more primitive, my GPS said to continue
There was plenty of mud around from the rains earlier
At this point, the road dropped down off the mesa, and down through a grove of Birch and Aspens, it was rocky, and my Skid plate was taking a beating
the trail was getting rougher and tougher. there were trees across the trail, and rocks everywhere. I tried to jump a tree, got the front wheel over no problem, but the rear stopped abruptly, and over I went, on my left side. DANG IT!
Ever try to pick up a 600lb Dirt bike, full of gear? Yea, not happening. After trying to use a tree to prop it up with my shoulder, (and denting my tank in the process) The bike kept sliding down hill.
I remembered tossing a bike tie-down, and 30' of strap in one of the bags, and used this tied to a tree, to pull the bike up.
I finally got it up, and reloaded after about 1 1/2 hrs. It was getting late, and there was no way I was going to make it up the hills I had just scraped my way down. I needed to continue on.
The trail eventually dropped into a dry creekbed, great. more rocks! F#^%^!!! with the engine off, and in 1st gear, using the clutch as a rear brake, along with the front, I inched my way down the side of the mountain. It took about 2 hours to get all the way to the bottom to a decent dirt road. I was so relieved. I headed north on County road 8, hoping to connect to 14 and head to the nearest motel. I was beat! About a mile up the road, I came to a water crossing about 20' across. REALLY? It's fricking dark! I thought briefly of just setting up camp right there, and waiting for morning to attempt the crossing, but I decided screw it, it can't be any worse than what I've already been through. I gassed it, and went for it, praying there would be no large rocks to knock me off my line. I burst out the other side, and onto the dirt road, with a grin on my face. YeeHa!
I made it to Meeker, without any more issues, and promptly got a hot shower, and a cold beer. I decided then, I would minimize my use of dirt roads for the remainder of this trip.
In the morning I headed east on 14, as planned, which would take me to Walden, and then across the Rockies again to the front range by Estes park.
I saw these fellas shortly after leaving Meeker
14 was a nice paved road for about 10 miles, then turned to dirt. Crap! It wasn't that bad, but I kept thinking of all those rocks in that stream bed yesterday. I could hear pebbles pinging off my bungeed skidplate. I reached Walden, and was looking forward to jamming some curves as I crossed the Rockies again.
I was rewarded with great views, as well as smooth paved roads
I rode along the base of the front range down to 285 and then shot down to Buena Vista for the night, and stopped at the KOA
It was nice being somewhere warm again.
I was planning on meeting Jody in Canon city tonight. At this point, I was only about 70 miles from there. I decided to head west over Monarch pass, and then down 117 to Sagauche, and then east towards the mountains. The GPS said there was a pass there I could go over. REALLY? hehe
I headed that way, and came to a huge state park of sand dunes.
Talking to the ranger at the gate, he admitted there is a pass behind the park, that goes over to the other side. But that it was all sand, and wouldn't recommend it on a bike. I agreed, and headed south around the base of the mountain range. I ended up going over La Veta pass, and then up hwy 69 to Canon City.
Friday, Jody and I headed up to Pikes Peak. It's a pretty mean Mt, certainly higher than ours here in 'Querque.
The view over the side
We had dinner with his sister in Colorado Springs, and headed back to Canon City. When we got to town, Jody took me up to Skyline drive, which is a skinny road along the spine of a ridge on the west side of town. Pretty cool! Jody of course, had to climb to the top
I rode back on Saturday, ran into rain just north of Taos, but still took the high road back, and then 14 south.
I think it may be awhile before I head out on another "adventure" ride. But, if any of you oogly owners want to go, just let me know!
Oh, and since this IS a BUELL message board, here is my token picture of a Buell.
Jody's CR up on top of skyline drive. 
Thanks to Jody for putting up with me for two nights, I appreciated it!
And Thanks to Steve, and Aaron for riding up the passes with me. I enjoyed the company, and it was good not being alone on the trail. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - 12:34 am: |
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Wow... looks like a good time!
I'll be riding back into town from Lubbock on Friday. I leave the following Friday for Ireland. We need to go for a ride. Looking to take the Firebolt out. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - 02:36 pm: |
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Looks like you definitely had an adventure Bart.
CJ-About time your ass got back in NM... I was starting to think you found somewhere better and decided to stay. J/k, I've been following your journey on the ADV board. Glad you are having fun! |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - 12:33 am: |
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Adam, it was a lot of fun
CJ, I'm ready for a Buell ride... |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Friday, September 14, 2012 - 11:47 am: |
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I... uh... took the Blast to work today...
And changed the oil on the XB9 last week.
Yeah. Not much riding going on.  It takes forever in heavy traffic to get out of town.
Definitely still missing the Southwest. And the pictures aren't helping!  |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 08:51 am: |
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http://www.motorcyclepowersportsnews.com/Item/1049 03/erik_buell_racing_expands.aspx
More news from EBR |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 11:54 am: |
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Cool.
It's a good thing I haven't won the lottery. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 12:44 pm: |
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right?! |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 02:01 pm: |
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Glad to see he's moving forward. I'm itching to see what he comes out with, but I'm not holding my breath that it will be anything I may want, or can afford. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 02:30 pm: |
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according to the article, under $19K... relatively affordable, at least compared to the $40K the RS was listed for. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 03:42 pm: |
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Relatively affordable? Seriously?
Can YOU afford a $19,000 motorcycle?
I can't... |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 04:36 pm: |
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at the moment no. but I probably could if I didnt have the 1125, or if it was paid off (should be by December), and If I wasnt saving to move within the next year or so. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 04:38 pm: |
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I mean, dont get me wrong, it is much less affordable than the 12K that the 1125s were selling for in their prime, but If you didnt put a down payment on it, it would be expensive, but if you drop that price down about 5K with a trade in or down payment of some sort, payments would only be like $300/mo for 5 yrs. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 06:25 pm: |
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Sorry Dude, I just don't see that as affordable... |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 11:39 pm: |
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Well, it's all relative. What are you getting for that $19K? And what else is in that price range? Essentially, you're getting a race bike with lights. And it's definitely targeting the Ducati, BMW, KTM, MV, etc. All European imports. It's not trying to compete with the Japanese imports because it can't. And, it's sort of affordable for those people who have money to spend on such exotic items. Keep in mind that most Harleys are also in the $19K range, most BMWs are in the $19K range. And on top of that, it's made in USA where labor costs are high.
So, while I cannot afford one, and most of you also cannot, that doesn't mean that some people can't afford it. And once some more people buy them and continue building the foundation of the market, there will eventually be a $12K bike. I don't see them going much less than that just because inflation is starting to catch up with everyone.
And Bart, what was the sticker price on that Yamaha? Aren't they about $14K? That's not that far off. |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 03:19 am: |
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I paid $13,200 for the Tenere. but it is not a single purpose bike like a race bike with lights.
It is a true UJM, multi-purpose bike.
I can sport tour with the best of them, it's comfortable, well behaved in the curves, and can carry a ton of stuff.
I can also go off road, serious offroad, if the bags aren't on it, and I can use it to get stuff from home depot, or Wally world.
It can do it all, and still be comfortable doing it. well worth the 13 grand I paid for it, IMHO.
In contrast, I paid $13,500 for my '08 Uly. Without the bags, it was a great sport bike, comfortable, agile, alot of fun. Add the bags, and the 'ol Lady, and it turned into a wallowing slug. Scary in the curves, popping wheelies leaving stop signs. It was no fun at all. Take it in the dirt? Not a chance! It was good for the same thing all Buells are, hitting the curves...
Personally, I wouldn't pay $19,000 for anything with wheels. That is just too much Money for me to justify. I would buy something used first. |
Thejosh
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 08:25 am: |
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You gotta remember the cost of making stuff in the U.S. It may be equal in quality but will cost you more due to the cost of labor to manufacture. I don't think we as Americans can ever compete with other manufacturing countries that use child/slave labor. That is why I personally do not own any Japanese/Korean/Chinese vehicles. |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 11:24 am: |
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Bart- I appologize for saying what I did. I may have led you to believe that I would WANT to spend that kind of money just because I MIGHT be able to. Like many of you, my priorities right do not involve a $19K sportbike regardless if I have the money or not. As it stands now, my car is essentially on its last leg, and I will be needing another one of those before too long, and that would take priority over another bike. We will also more than likely be moving in the next year or so to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and I need to start saving for that. As much as I would like to say that I would buy one at that price, it probably isn't in the cards for at least a few more years or so, and by then, they may be cheaper yet! |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 12:29 pm: |
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Bart, I hear what you're saying. But that doesn't mean that there aren't people out there who feel differently from you. In fact, there may be enough of those people that it will make it profitable for EBR.
My personal opinion is that it's becoming more and more difficult to justify buying new motorcycles. So many of them are being priced right up there with new cars that it's sort of ridiculous. I paid $23K for my pickup brand new. Why am I going to pay close to that for a motorcycle? Even if it were a very capable and multi-use type of bike? (And as you say, the EBR is not multi-use.) So, I can see buying a few more used bikes. Let someone else take the hit on the depreciation. Most bikes I'm interested in are able to be gotten from mature riders, so I'm confident of finding something that has not been abused or wrecked the way a young kid would ride.
And Josh... to be fair: Japan doesn't use child or slave labor. China and Korea might, and probably do. And interestingly, both Japan and Germany have union workers in their manufacturing sectors. For some reason, they're able to manage that better than we do. And as our economy tanks, European goods are more expensive because the dollar is really weak compared to the Euro and the British Pound.
Meanwhile, if anyone finds a good 400-650cc dirt bike or dual sport out there for a good price, let me know. I'm thinking I'm most interested in a Yamaha WR450, a Honda CRF450X, or a Suzuki DR-650. Or maybe a Honda XR650. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 12:30 pm: |
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Oh, and Adam... I'm sorry to hear you're going to be moving away. Hopefully all goes well with that. I think there's a chance I could move away, too, but I have no idea where or when.  |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 01:08 pm: |
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Adam, no apology needed. Like CJ said, the current offering from EBR is aimed at the exotic bike crowd, and there are many folks out there that buy, and ride these bikes. At SpringFast there was a KTM 1190, IMO an exotic bike. But the owner uses it as a daily rider.
I would have to argue with Josh as to the quality of american manufactured goods being of equal quality. With the exception of my military career, I've been working in manufacturing the last half of my life. I've worked for quite a few different companies, and it's all the same. Profit before quality. Just get the damn product out the door. I've also seen very high profit margins worked into the price, regardless of the pay scale of the hourly workforce. The typical american workforce I've seen in factories, have poor work ethics, don't care what they are making, or how well they are making it, all they care about is the paycheck, and what time they get off work.
No pride in craftsmanship, no going the extra mile to insure they send a great, high quality product out the door.
Even in a company that provided profit sharing. It would make sense to make a good product, and to cut back on waste, right? nope, "it's a pain in the azz", or that's too much work... Really? a quarterly bonus of $2500 or more isn't even enough to motivate the "typical" employee to do a better job, and insure the product meets or exceeds the companies quality standards.
To the contrary, Japanese, and European manufacturers, still enjoy a dedicated workforce, that value what they are doing, and take pride in the work they do.
As a result, they typically build a better, more reliable product.
And don't get me started on the problems I'VE had with AMERICAN vehicles! holy crap!
After 22 years in the service, I like to think I'm as patriotic as the next guy. But when I put my money down on the counter for something, I expect it to be of high quality, and I expect it to last me a long time.
I have learned the hard way, that I cannot trust American vehicles. I have yet had one make it past 55,000 miles without something breaking on it. Sometimes, it's something major.
In my younger years, I had great results driving Nissans and Mazdas. Typically making it at least to 150,000 miles BEFORE I had any problems. My '94 Nissan went 340,000 miles before I traded it for a Ford. I ended up dumping the Ford after a year due to reliability problems.
My Honda CB750 currently has over 350,000 miles on it, still running the original motor. Original bottom end. It's simply bullit proof.
Sorry for the long winded, and opinionated speech...
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Agfish18
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 01:13 pm: |
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Dont be sorry... It was kind of planned. We want to get back that way so that Stacey can be with her son on a more permanent basis rather than the visitation when his school is out. I figured we would have a better chance to find work out there once I graduate this fall. Hoping to be out there by this time next year. hopefully all goes well |
Agfish18
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 01:28 pm: |
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I suppose I have had decent luck with vehicles. My current car is a small SUV (Ford Escape) it has over 100K miles on it, and I just had the engine re-built at the beginning of the year which was the first thing I have had to do to it other than change the oil. sounds like bad engine quality, but I attribute that to it being neglected over the years.
It sat in a parking lot outside for 7 months during my first deployment, then again for nearly a year and a half during my second deployment. Then, when I bought my old XB9R, I just didnt drive the Escape much in favor of the bike. It didnt get driven as often and because of that I didnt really keep up on oil changes and simple things that would have made it last longer.
I sold my XB9r with over 33K miles (I only put about 12K on it) but I only had to replace the stator on it. The 1125R has really only had an issue with the clutch weep, but other than that in nearly 30K miles I am still on the first stator, v/r, belt, engine, etc. I havent had anything really serious to deal with. But then again... the 1125R has a European motor, and I really havent had that many vehicles. |
Thejosh
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 02:01 pm: |
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@Ghostrider
Yes, but the Japanese have been known to sell motorcycles for less than they cost to make. |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 05:15 pm: |
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Wait, an engine rebuild is general maintenance now?
I've seen many, many Japanese motors do 250k without even blinking, and a lot of them would do 300k+ if the car hadn't rusted away around them (late 80s Japanese steel was... not good).
Personally, I wouldn't pay $19,000 for anything with wheels.
I'd have no problems paying that! It'd just better have wings and a propeller as well. |
Thejosh
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 08:19 pm: |
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I guess patriotism lost its meaning somewhere along the way, I thought it was realizing that your country isnt the best at everything and still loving it and prefer it over any other country despite its flaws, as for Fords, got an F150 with 235k on it and a focus with 170k on it and no desire to swi tch brands yet so forgive me if I do not take your word on it. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 11:47 pm: |
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My Nissan was built in Tennessee, so... |
Thejosh
| | Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 11:59 pm: |
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Last time I checked Nissan was still a Japanese brand, based in Japan, that most likely pays taxes in Japan, I seemed to remember reading about how they would ship vehicles over here without tires on them so they could put "made in USA" stickers on them or something like that |
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